How to Change a WhatsApp Business Display Name
Step 1: Open Meta Business Manager
Log in to Meta Business Manager.
Select the correct business account.
Open WhatsApp Manager.
Step 2: Open the Phone Numbers Section
Select the WhatsApp account you want to update.
In the left menu, click Phone Numbers.
Step 3: Edit the Display Name
Under the Name column, hover over the current display name.
Click the pencil icon.
Enter the new display name in Edit Display Name.
Click Next to submit the request for approval.
Official Business Accounts (OBA)
Official Business Accounts (OBA) follow a different display name change process.
Official Business Accounts (OBA)
If your account is an Official Business Account, contact Meta Direct Support to request a display name update.
Regular WhatsApp Business Accounts
Regular business accounts can update their display name directly inside WhatsApp Manager using the self-service flow.
What Happens After You Submit the Display Name
Meta reviews the display name after submission.
If Your Business Is Not Verified
The display name is typically confirmed immediately. A certificate becomes available for download after confirmation.
If Your Business Is Verified
The display name enters a pending review state. Inside the Phone Numbers section, the certificate area displays a Pending Review status until Meta completes approval.
After approval, a View button appears, allowing the certificate to be downloaded.
Register the Approved Display Name
After approval, the updated display name must be registered, depending on the API version being used.
WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API)
Register the number using the Registration endpoint. A certificate is not required.
WhatsApp Business Platform (On-Premises API)
Register the updated display name using the Account endpoint.
Best Practices to Avoid Display Name Rejections
Follow these recommendations before submitting a display name request.
Keep the Name Closely Connected to the Business
Your display name should clearly match:
Your verified business identity
Your website
Your branding
Your business assets
Avoid Unnecessary Formatting
Do not use:
Emojis
Decorative symbols
Excessive capitalization
Marketing slogans
Avoid Verification Terms
Do not include terms that imply Meta verification, including:
Official
Verified
Avoid Meta Brand Terms
Do not include Meta-owned product names such as:
WhatsApp
Facebook
Messenger
Instagram
Avoid Generic or Geographic Names
Your display name should not only contain:
Generic business categories
Cities
Countries
Regions
Examples:
❌ Fashion
❌ New York
One-Word Brand Recommendation
If your business name is a single word, avoid adding spaces unless they are part of the official brand identity.
Display Name Examples
Legal business name: Owner Connector Solutions Ltd
Accepted Examples
✅ Owner Connector
✅ OwnerConnector Solutions
Rejected Examples
❌ OwnerConnector Official
❌ WhatsApp Owner Connector
❌ Verified Owner Connector
Restricted Products and Services
Display names cannot include restricted or prohibited products under the WhatsApp Commerce Policy.
Accepted Example
✅ Sarah’s Sporting Goods Shop
Rejected Example
❌ Sarah’s Sporting Goods Shop – Guns Department
Test and Demo Account Naming Rules
Test or demo accounts must still be clearly connected to a business.
Example:
✅ Fresh Produce Test
Avoid generic placeholder names that do not identify the business.
Important Limits and Rules
Display Name Change Limit
Businesses can change their display name up to 10 times within 30 days.
After 30 days, the limit resets.
Display Name Certificate Expiration
Display name certificates remain valid for 14 days. If the certificate expires before registration is completed, the display name must be submitted again for approval.
Display Name Review Requirements
A display name review is no longer required to start using the WhatsApp Business Platform. However, approval is still required if you want customers to see the display name instead of the phone number.
Common Issues and Fixes
Display Name Was Declined
Review the display name against Meta naming guidelines.
Common rejection causes include:
Using “Official” or “Verified”
Adding emojis or symbols
Using unrelated brand names
Using restricted product references
Using generic business names
Display Name Is Still Pending Review
Meta reviews can take several minutes to several hours. In some cases, reviews may take longer depending on account status and verification.
Certificate Expired Before Registration
If the certificate expires after 14 days, resubmit the display name for approval and generate a new certificate.
Display Name Does Not Match the Business
Ensure the submitted display name matches:
The legal business identity
Website branding
Public-facing business assets
Business verification details
FAQ
Why is the WhatsApp Business display name important?
The display name is what customers see when interacting with your business on WhatsApp. It should clearly represent the business and follow Meta’s naming policies.
Who can change a WhatsApp Business display name?
Any business using the WhatsApp Business Platform can request a display name change. Regular business accounts use WhatsApp Manager. Official Business Accounts (OBA) must contact Meta Direct Support.
How long does display name approval take?
Approval usually takes a few minutes to several hours, but some reviews may take longer.
Can I change my display name multiple times?
Yes. Businesses can change their display name up to 10 times within a rolling 30-day period.
What happens if the display name certificate expires?
If the certificate expires after 14 days, the display name must be resubmitted for approval.
Can I use a restricted product or service in my display name?
No. Display names cannot include restricted or prohibited products listed in WhatsApp Commerce Policy.
Can test or demo accounts use custom display names?
Yes. Test and demo accounts can use custom display names if the name still clearly relates to the business.